Although I was born in Argentina and I have lived there for the most of my life, I’m actually half-Spanish. My grandparents fled to Argentina during the Spanish civil war, but as half of the family remained in Spain, I still have a strong connection with the country.
I studied sociology at the University of Buenos Aires and already during my second term I started teaching history at the university. What’s interesting about Argentina is that most lecturers receive no salary for giving lecturers. They are usually young scientists in the beginning of their journey, and with universities largely relying on lecturers working for free, it’s like a voluntary work, to put it simply.
Leonardo Pataccini teaching at Johann Skytte Institute of Political Sciences. Photo credit: Andres Tennus
A few years ago I moved to Latvia where I researched the local economic crisis. With variable success, I spent two years over there and while working, I naturally heard about the University of Tartu. At first I wanted to come to Tartu for just five months but then I had a chance to stay for longer – even for three years. It began as a research visit, but the Skytte Institute of Political Studies found a way to incorporate me into its doings for a longer period. I agreed as I immediately felt really cozy and comfortable in Tartu.
